Here are ways you can play with your baby and toddler to help their development as they grow:
0 to 3 months
To play with your baby, you can:
- cuddle, touch, sing and talk to them
- give them time without a nappy - so they can kick their legs and develop their muscles
- have tummy time - this encourages them to move
- have a colourful toy in the cot such as a mobile - when your baby wakes they can see bright colours and moving toys
Playing with a newborn baby (video)
3 to 6 months
To play with your baby, you can:
- increase tummy time for a little longer each day
- have toys, including bath toys, in a variety of colours, textures and shapes
- bounce them on your knee
- sing to them
- talk and read to them
Playing with a baby at 6 months (video)
6 to 12 months
To play with your baby, you can:
- use exciting toys such as blocks or toys with wheels or mirrors
- talk and read to them
- draw
- make and listen to music
- dance to educational songs - for example, songs that name body parts
- praise them and give them attention
- make faces - your child will try to copy you
- guide them to a standing position
- guide and move them to a seated position
12 to 18 months
If your child is not walking, you can:
- help them to stand supported by you
- help them take steps around furniture supported by you
- hold their hands while they take steps
If your child is walking or crawling, you can:
- play hide and seek
- hide an object for a treasure hunt
- gently roll or throw a soft ball towards them
- chase them
- build things together
- do activities that help keep them steady on their feet
Children usually play by themselves more often at this age. It's good to let them play alone sometimes and watch them from a safe distance.
18 months to 2 years
To play with your child, you can:
- teach them simple sports such as football - this will help them learn to balance
- push them on a tricycle
- encourage them to pedal their tricycle or push off their feet
- make a game out of everyday activities such as washing and drying their hands
- continue to encourage reading, picture books or books with flaps
- play with small figures such as animals, cars or people
- start role play games
To stop your child becoming overstimulated or bored, you can give them a few toys at a time. Keeping toys in different boxes can also be useful.